The period from about 1880 to the First World War is often referred to as the “Belle Époque”, in English, the “beautiful era.” While certainly I would say that as a rule, in art, music and architecture, it was undoubtedly more “belle”' than today, I have generally held the view that it is not the strongest period for Catholic sacred art. Nevertheless, I recently saw this article posted by my friend, Deacon Lawrence Klimecki about a Belgian artist of this period, René de Cramer (1876-1951), which made me wonder if I had misjugded the period. Here are some photos of his work; the first four are from the basilica of Sainte-Thérèse in Lisieux, France.
Two of the Beatitudes: blessed are the poor in spirit.
Blessed are they how show mercy.
The Holy Trinity
The Apotheosis of St Thérèse
The Adoration of the Lamb; from the basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges, Belgium
The Virgin Giving the Rosary to St Dominic (ca. 1905-10?)
